Thread: wire comparisons

Thanks guys. Billy, very good ideas, I'll order the Cast one. I started paying attention and writing notes for the exact feet for each run as well, as indicated on the wire. This is a cool feature. Easy to strip off for multiple runs this way, plus a sure way to know if you have enough left on a spool to make it.

Does anyone just keep spools on the truck and strip off what they need? I figured if I use a long rope/tape measure tool and use wire that has the feet indicated, I can strip off what I need. In my calculation of feet, I'll determine a good percentage to add on for actual use, taking into consideration all the imperfections inside the trench.

Does anyone just keep spools on the truck and strip off what they need? I figured if I use a long rope/tape measure tool and use wire that has the feet indicated, I can strip off what I need. In my calculation of feet, I'll determine a good percentage to add on for actual use, taking into consideration all the imperfections inside the trench.

Mike. I use a LOT of wire here. Big sites eat it up. I buy all my 12/2 wire on 1000' (300 meter) spools. I then have one spool mounted in the back of my trailer and I keep one on a set of Rack-A-Tiers for moving around the site. This way I can set the big spool down at the transformer and spool off as much wire as I need in any direction. It works really well and I have very little waste at the end of the day.

I used to use 250' (75 meter) spools but often found I was left with 'ends' that were not long enough to be useful. This just ended up as waste.

we used to make those spinners back in the old days. You can just go to home depot and make one. You need a lazy susan and a 1/2 pipe with a flat fitting. super easy to make and very cheap. Problem is they dont have a break so the spool keeps spinning causing the cable to backlash, I'm sure Billy has this problem all the time with his fishing reels!! And they corrode and stop working after getting wet a few times.

Those rackateer racks are pretty cool too. Of course now we dont need those old things, the wire in the box solves all issues. we can stack the boxes and pull as many runs at once as we want. Most of you will probably cry about the price because cheaper tends to better for most when it comes to wire but for those who dont mind spending a few extra bucks this is the way to go. Buying it by the pallet makes it cheaper I am sure. We only make it in 10ga. Email me or PM me if you guys want more info.

Thanks guys. Billy, very good ideas, I'll order the Cast one. I started paying attention and writing notes for the exact feet for each run as well, as indicated on the wire. This is a cool feature. Easy to strip off for multiple runs this way, plus a sure way to know if you have enough left on a spool to make it.

Does anyone just keep spools on the truck and strip off what they need? I figured if I use a long rope/tape measure tool and use wire that has the feet indicated, I can strip off what I need. In my calculation of feet, I'll determine a good percentage to add on for actual use, taking into consideration all the imperfections inside the trench.

rope and tape measures will slow you down... plan a spool or 2 at the trans and start whipping our your runs all at once. Start with the longest run. If I set up a work area on site I keep a spool of 16 nearby for leads and such. I have tried your tape measure idea for making leads and doing T's but it slows you down with all the trips back and forth.